Starting your first job is exciting – but it also comes with real responsibilities for your health and safety. In Australia, WHS (Work Health and Safety) laws cover every worker, from full-timers to casuals, trainees and even students doing work experience. That means the rules that keep people safe at work apply to you too. Young workers often face extra risks because they’re still learning what’s safe (and may feel shy about speaking up). Remember: safety isn’t being difficult, it’s being professional. Understanding the basics now will help you stay injury-free and confident on the job.

Everyone has a right to a safe workplace and can ask questions about hazards. You cannot be sacked for raising a safety concern – in fact, WorkSafe laws protect you for doing so. For example, if you’re not sure about a task, you might calmly say, “I don’t feel safe using that equipment by myself just yet” or “Could someone show me how to do this task safely?”. These kinds of phrases are totally acceptable – they show you care about doing the job right. At Next Gen Youth Employment, we teach these simple scripts and practice safety scenarios (through role-plays and checklists in our SLES program) so you feel ready to talk to a boss or coworker about safety.

Common Hazards in Typical Young Worker Jobs

Every workplace has its own risks. Here are some everyday hazards to watch out for in common first-job settings, with simple precautions:

• Retail (shops, supermarkets): You might handle stock deliveries (heavy boxes), use box cutters or paper-cutter blades, mop floors, or stand on ladders to put up displays. Typical injuries include cuts to hands or back strains. Always use safety knives or guards (and cut-resistant gloves) when opening boxes. Don’t try to carry too much at once – use trolleys for heavy loads, and take turns lifting big items (back strain is a leading injury in retail). Watch for spilt liquids or loose tags on the floor – clean up spills promptly or put up a “wet floor” sign. Wear flat, enclosed shoes with good grip to prevent slips.

• Hospitality (cafés, restaurants, hotels): In a busy café or kitchen, hazards include hot plates/ovens, boiling liquids, sharp knives, and greasy floors. Always use oven mitts or tongs to handle hot items, and let pans cool before cleaning. Carrying food trays or plates with drinks can also be heavy work – use trays that balance the load and ask for help with heavy pots. Greasy or wet kitchen floors are common – wipe up spills immediately (or block the area with signs) to avoid a slip. If working outdoors (like a patio), heat and sun can make you tired and dizzy – drink plenty of water and take breaks in the shade.

• Warehouse or Delivery: This can involve very heavy lifting, forklifts, tall stacks of stock, and noisy machinery. Don’t lift something too heavy by yourself – use trolleys, pallet jacks or forklift help. Always bend at your knees and keep your back straight when lifting (see Manual Handling Tips below). Wear closed-toe shoes or steel-capped boots (to protect against dropped boxes). Be aware of forklifts or carts moving around; make eye contact with drivers and stay out of their blind spots. If you work at height (e.g. on a ladder or platform), follow “three points of contact” rules (two feet and one hand, or vice versa, always stable). Use approved ladders or step-stools – never stand on a chair or move boxes to reach up high.

• Office/General: Even desk jobs have safety issues. Watch out for tripping hazards like electrical cords or clutter in walkways. Set up your computer and chair so your back feels supported (poor posture can strain your back and neck). Take short breaks from sitting to stretch or walk a bit (to reduce fatigue). If you help with lifting office supplies or setting up equipment, follow the same manual handling tips below. Always use tools (like cable organizers, scissors, knives) properly: for example, cut towards the opposite hand, and if a shredder or printer needs fixing, switch it off first. In office kitchens or storerooms, be mindful of spills on tiled or polished floors – dry them up right away.

No matter where you work, keep your work area tidy. A clutter-free environment is much safer. For example, always close filing cabinet drawers after you use them, coil excess cords away from walkways, and stack boxes in a stable way. Good housekeeping (cleaning and organization) prevents many trips and falls. Safe Work guidelines suggest simple steps like having bins for rubbish, cleaning floors after spills, and not leaving items lying around.

Manual Handling Basics: Lifting Without Hurting Yourself

Handling heavy or awkward items (“manual tasks”) is a common cause of injury for new workers. In fact, lifting, pushing, carrying or bending accounts for about 24% of workplace injuries. Many of these injuries are strains or sprains to the back and shoulders. You can protect yourself by following a few simple tips whenever you lift or move objects:

• Assess the load first: Check how heavy or bulky the item is. If it’s too heavy for one person, ask a coworker to help or use a trolley or pallet jack. Even if you think you could lift it alone, use a cart or ask for help – it’s far safer. Before lifting, also make sure your path is clear of obstacles (no cables, clutter, spills) to avoid a fall.

• Get in position: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart (one foot slightly forward if needed) to give yourself a steady base. Don’t lift with your feet too close together.

• Grip and posture: Bend your knees and squat down rather than bending your back. Keep your back as straight as you can, tighten your stomach muscles (engage your core) and get a firm grip with both hands. If the object has handles, use them. Keep the object as close to your waist/center of gravity as possible – holding it close reduces strain on your back.

• Use your legs, not your back: As you lift, push up with your legs (quadriceps and hips), not by bending or twisting your spine. This distributes the weight through your strong leg muscles. Imagine pushing the floor away with your feet while standing up. This tip – “lift with your legs” – is crucial to avoid back injuries.

• Move smoothly and carefully: Lift slowly (no jerking). Once standing, pivot by moving your feet – don’t twist your torso with the load. If you need to change direction, move your feet first, then turn your body. Twisting while holding a heavy load can easily hurt your back.

• Plan the set-down: Before you set the load down, make sure the spot is clear and stable. Bend your knees to lower the item (again, keep your back straight) to place it on the ground or shelf.

• Use aids and breaks: Whenever possible, use mechanical aids. Carts, trolleys, hand trucks, dollies or conveyors can do the heavy pushing or pulling for you. Rearrange your work so lifting is minimized – for example, don’t carry stock all the way from the floor if a shelf can be lowered. Switch tasks with a coworker occasionally; repetitive lifting can cause fatigue. And take mini-breaks if you feel tired or strained – don’t “muscle through” pain.

If you have a disability or any physical limitation, it’s totally okay to take extra precautions. Ask your supervisor for help or tools that make tasks easier. For example, if bending low is hard for your back or legs, use a platform or ask a taller colleague to help with low shelves. If lifting is difficult, see if the load can be made smaller or moved with two people. Next Gen Youth Employment encourages you to discuss any needs like this during our training sessions. Being open about needing an assistive device (like a trolley, a lifting belt, or even a spotter) shows professionalism, not weakness.

Slips, Trips & Falls: Simple Ways to Stay Upright

Slippery, uneven or cluttered surfaces cause a huge number of injuries. In Australia, trips or falls on the same level (like slipping on a spill or tripping over an obstacle) account for roughly 17% of all work injuries. Common causes include:

• Wet or greasy floors: Say someone mopped the floor or a drink was spilt. Walking or running on these surfaces in ordinary shoes can lead to a slip. Make sure to dry floors after cleaning, or put up warning signs (“Caution: Wet Floor”). Wear non-slip footwear if you can (the right shoes can greatly reduce slips).

• Uneven surfaces: Watch for steps, curbs, potholes or uneven tiles, especially if moving fast. These often cause people to lose their balance.

• Clutter: Items like boxes, bags or rubbish in walkways are easy to trip over. Keep aisles and floors clear. Return tools, boxes and trolleys to their proper place after use. If you see a cable trailing across the floor, coil it up or tape it down so no one trips over it.

• Stairs and heights: Falls from stairs or low platforms also cause injuries. Always use handrails on stairs. Never jump down several steps at once. If you need to reach something above you, use a sturdy ladder or step-stool with rails – don’t stand on chairs or wobble on a stack of boxes.

• Poor lighting: A dark corridor or storage room can hide hazards. Make sure lights are working. Turn on a torch or ask someone to hold a light if you must check an unlit area.

To prevent slips and trips, be proactive: practice good housekeeping and report hazards. For instance, if you notice a puddle of oil or water, clean it immediately (if it’s safe to do so), or at least mark the spot and tell a supervisor. Keep your work area tidy – use rubbish bins, store items on shelves, and wipe shoes if they’re dirty. Most workplaces have procedures for spills and clutter (like a cleaning roster or spill kit) – follow them. A simple habit like always pushing in your chair, closing drawers, and putting rubbish in bins can dramatically cut down risk.

Heat, Fatigue and Your Health

Australian weather can get very hot, and working in heat or for long shifts can make you tired (fatigue) – both of which increase accident risk. Safe Work Australia notes that heatwaves reduce sleep quality and heighten fatigue, which makes it harder to concentrate. Fatigue from work (or not enough sleep from juggling study and a job) can slow your reactions and focus.

Heat stress: Prolonged exposure to heat (like working in a hot kitchen or outdoors) can lead to serious heat illnesses. Watch for heat exhaustion or heat stroke symptoms: dizziness, headache, heavy sweating or no sweat, rapid pulse, nausea, muscle cramps, confusion or fainting. Heat stroke is life-threatening. If someone shows these signs, get them cool and call emergency services (000) immediately.

• Stay hydrated: Drink water regularly, before you feel thirsty. Keep a drink bottle nearby on hot days. Avoid too much caffeine or sugar, which can dehydrate you.

• Take breaks: Ask to rotate through cooler tasks if it’s very hot. If possible, plan heavy work for the cooler parts of the day (morning or later in the afternoon). Rest in a cool, shaded area when you need to.

• Use climate controls: If you work indoors, use fans or air-conditioning when you can. Wear loose, breathable clothing. For outdoor jobs, wear a hat and light colours.

Importantly, workers under 25 are listed among those most at risk of heat-related illness. Your body may not notice overheating as quickly, especially if you’re excited or nervous. So look out for each other – if a coworker looks flushed or complains of feeling hot and dizzy, help them cool down and take a break. Remember: It’s totally fine to slow down or ask to switch off tasks if you feel unwell. You’re actually doing the right thing by being responsible.

If you think the temperature or fatigue is making work unsafe, say so calmly. For example: “It’s really hot in here, can we take a short break?” or “I’m feeling a bit dizzy – is it okay if I step outside for a minute?” Your supervisor should understand – an overheated or exhausted worker can easily make mistakes, which is more dangerous for everyone.

Using Equipment and Tools Safely

Many first jobs involve using tools or machines. Safety with equipment is a must:

• Training first: Don’t use any tool or machine (like a slicer, drill, forklift, oven, or power tool) unless someone has shown you how. New equipment can be tricky – ask for a quick demo or practice session.

• Check guards and safety features: Many machines have guards (like shield over a saw blade or interlock on a dishwasher). Make sure these are in place and never disable them. For example, in retail or food service, WorkSafe recommends using safety scissors or covered blades instead of open knives. Wear protective gear as needed (e.g., cut-resistant gloves when cutting or steel-toe boots in a warehouse).

• Turn off before maintenance: Always switch off and unplug power tools or machines before cleaning or changing attachments. Even something simple like a blender or photocopier should be off if you need to unclog it or refill it.

• Wiring and electricity: Don’t handle electrical equipment with wet hands, and keep cables tidy. Report any sparks or frayed cables to your boss – better safe than sorry.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Your workplace should provide PPE when it’s needed. This could include gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, masks, or high-visibility vests. For instance, if you’re doing noisy work (like on machinery), use earplugs; if you’re handling chemicals (even cleaning products), gloves and eye protection might be required. Always put PPE on before starting the task. Wear non-slip, closed-toe shoes for most jobs.

In short, when in doubt – ask. If a task requires a special tool or equipment, make sure you know how to use it safely. If a tool feels unsafe (like a cracked handle or loose blade), speak up. A few extra seconds to check before starting is worth it.

Near Misses: Don’t Ignore the “Almost Accidents”

A near miss is an incident that almost caused injury or damage, but luckily didn’t. For example, if a heavy box falls off a shelf and misses hitting someone, that’s a near miss. It’s like a warning shot. Safety experts call a near miss a “free lesson” – it shows where danger hides without anyone getting hurt.

Think of it as a safety smoke alarm. You wouldn’t ignore smoke just because there’s no fire yet. Likewise, if someone nearly slips on an oil spill, or a piece of equipment backfires but no one is hurt, that’s your chance to fix the problem. Always report near misses to your supervisor or safety rep. For example, SafetySpace explains: if a hammer falls and lands safely on the floor instead of hitting a person, the potential for injury was exactly the same in both cases. Ignoring that fallen hammer means waiting for your luck to run out.

By sharing near misses, you help prevent the next person from getting injured. For instance, if you nearly trip over an open box in a hallway, tell someone to remove the box. If you feel an outlet spark when plugging in a toaster, report it before it causes a fire. Near-miss reports are powerful because they turn a lucky escape into useful data. Employers use them to spot hidden hazards and improve safety (they’re like clues to fix a problem before it happens again). So never be afraid to say “This was a close call” – it could make the workplace safer for you and your coworkers next time.

What To Do If Something Goes Wrong

Even with all the precautions, accidents can still happen. It helps to have a calm plan for: (a) if you get hurt, (b) if you see someone else get hurt, or (c) if you are ever asked to do something unsafe. Here’s a step-by-step guide for each scenario:

If You Get Hurt at Work:

1. 1. Stop and get help. Even if your injury seems minor, take it seriously. If it’s an emergency (like heavy bleeding, signs of concussion, or trouble breathing), dial 000 immediately or ask a coworker to. If it’s minor (a cut or strain), find the nearest first-aid kit and get assistance from a trained first aider.

   2. Report it to your supervisor. Tell your boss or safety officer what happened as soon as possible. In many states you’re technically required to report work injuries quickly (e.g. in Victoria you should report within 30 days), but in practice do it immediately. The earlier they know, the sooner you get help.

   3. Document it. Write down exactly what happened and when: the task you were doing, where and when it happened, and any conditions (wet floor? heavy lifting?). This can be brief notes or filling out an official incident form if your workplace has one.

   4. Seek medical care. Even if you feel “okay,” let a doctor or nurse look at you. Some injuries (like minor head bumps or muscle strains) can seem trivial at first but get worse. Medical staff can treat you properly and give you a note if you need rest. Also, keep copies of any medical reports or prescriptions – they’ll be needed if you ever claim workers’ compensation.

   5. Follow up. If you need time off or changes at work, let your employer know (and provide the doctor’s note). Keep track of all your medical appointments and treatments. If your injury leads to time off or medical bills, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation (these laws vary by state). Your boss or the company’s insurer will guide you through that process if needed.

If You Witness Someone Else Injured or in Danger:

1. 1. 1. Ensure immediate safety: If a coworker is hurt, first call for help. Apply basic first aid if you’re trained (e.g. control bleeding, do CPR if qualified). If it’s a dangerous scene (like a chemical spill or fire), get everyone out of the danger zone and then call 000.
      2. Alert others: If someone else is in danger (for instance, you see a colleague’s hand trapped by a machine), shout for attention or push the emergency stop. You might shout “Stop!” or “Emergency button!” to clear the area.
      3. Report up the chain: Tell your supervisor or safety officer what happened immediately. Even if they already know, give your account of what you saw.
      4. Fill out an incident report: Just as if you were injured, the event must be recorded. If there’s an official incident form, help fill it out (or report to whoever usually does it). Include any eyewitness details.
      5. Support after: Check on the injured person’s recovery and ask if they need any help or someone to talk to. You could say, “I’m sorry that happened. Do you need me to help finish your shift paperwork?” or “Let me know if you need anything.” Being a supportive coworker is part of keeping a positive, safe work environment.

If You’re Asked to Do Something Unsafe:

Every worker has the right to refuse unsafe work. If you’re ever asked to do a task that seems dangerous, you can (and should) say so. Use calm, professional language. Some examples are:

• “I’m not sure how to do that safely. Could I get some training or help first?”

• “This looks risky to me. Can we double-check if this is allowed by safety rules?”

• “I don’t feel safe using that equipment by myself yet. Could someone assist?”

• “I notice [describe hazard]. Maybe we should fix that before going on.”

The exact words depend on the situation. The important thing is to communicate respect but firmness. You might say “I’d prefer to wait for guidance” or “Can we review the safe method for doing this?”. Remember, supervisors and colleagues should appreciate that you want to do things right. You cannot be punished for refusing unsafe work. In fact, the law requires employers to make sure you’re not assigned dangerously.

After you voice a concern, make sure someone hears it. If your supervisor dismisses it, you can escalate: ask for the health and safety representative (HSR), or contact the WHS regulator. Each state has a WHS authority (WorkSafe, SafeWork, etc.) that can intervene if necessary. Usually, they advise trying to fix the issue with the boss first. But if that fails and the work is really unsafe, the regulator’s hotline or website can take a report of the hazard.

1. In all these “something goes wrong” cases, trust your gut. If a situation feels off, take a breath and follow these steps. Being cautious is better than ignoring a warning sign.
2. Know Your Rights and Where to Get Help
3. It’s normal not to know every rule when you’re starting out. The important thing is knowing who can help. Trusted resources include Safe Work Australia (the federal WHS authority) and your state’s WorkSafe or SafeWork agency. They have guides and hotlines to answer worker questions. For example, Safe Work Australia has safety topics pages (like for new workers) explaining your duties and how to stay safe. They also list how employers must respond to injuries and incidents.
4. The Fair Work Ombudsman is another place to get answers – especially about rights, pay and unfair treatment. Their “Young Workers” section says it’s “Everything you need to know about your workplace rights and protections.”. This includes information on wages, breaks, bullying, harassment, and more. If someone treats you unfairly (like by not paying correctly or harassing you), Fair Work can advise on what to do. And remember: you have the right to ask for this information. You can say, “Can you explain how this rule works or where I can read about it?”.
5. Finally, Next Gen Youth Employment is here to help you as a young worker with a disability. We believe in giving you confidence and skills on the job. Through our School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) program, we can practice exactly these scenarios – from mock injuries to question-and-answer role plays – so that real life feels easier. For example, in our training we use checklists and debriefs after a work trial so you know what hazards to look for next time. If you ever feel unsure, please contact us. We can guide you on safety training, advise you how to report issues, or even help you find a job placement that matches your needs.
6. Your safety is part of your professionalism. By learning the basics now – knowing common hazards, practicing safe lifting, speaking up politely but firmly – you’ll be a valuable, responsible employee. And that makes a great first impression.
7. Stay safe, ask questions, and know that help is available. For more information or support, reach out to Next Gen Youth Employment. We’re here to help you start your career on the right (and safe) foot.